Riverview Park, Former amusement park in Des Moines, Iowa.
Riverview Park was an amusement park in Des Moines accessible via a wooden bridge and featuring multiple mechanical rides including a figure-eight roller coaster and two different carousels. The grounds also included a ballroom for events and served as a popular destination for recreation.
The park was established in 1915 by nine local entrepreneurs led by Abe Frankle and initially functioned as a zoological garden and trolley stop. It operated for over 60 years before closing in 1978.
The Riviera Ballroom was a key entertainment venue in the park and earned a place in the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It reflected the role this location held in local music culture and drew visitors seeking live performances.
The former park site now operates as an inclusive playground with carnival elements, musical instruments, and ziplines designed for children of all abilities. The location is easy to access and offers something for visitors of various ages and needs.
A carousel built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1923 was originally installed in the park but was later replaced by a hand-carved Herschell-Spillman menagerie carousel featuring detailed animal figures. This ornate ride showcased the craftsmanship standards the park valued for its attractions.
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